Exploring the Unknown Land
In the past few years of working in China, the idea of wanting to step out of the original framework to challenge a bigger stage is gradually taking shape in Sun Mengchen's heart.
Perhaps due to the history of Europe, or maybe the romantic atmosphere of Paris, she eventually set her destination in France.
The language barrier posed the most immediate and obvious hurdle when Meng Chen first arrived in France. However, she viewed this difficulty as an opportunity and motivation to learn French.
For Meng Chen, French is not merely a challenge; it has become an integral part of her daily life and work.
Beyond the superficial language barrier, deeper cultural differences have also stimulated Meng Chen's thinking and personal growth.
The streets of Paris are filled with diverse individuals representing different races, beliefs, and even gender identities.
In this cosmopolitan city with its diverse elements, finding one's own sense of identity becomes a realistic and significant concern.
While there are countless people engaged in various activities in Paris, Meng Chen remains focused on her own journey.
She did not attempt to fully assimilate French culture or adopt the lifestyle choices prevalent in the country.
Instead, Meng Chen believes that understanding and embracing this diversity is paramount. She selects and appreciates aspects of different cultures that resonate with her.
Living in France does not necessitate labeling oneself. Meng Chen can continue to enjoy her favorite iced coffee, as well as gradually develop a taste for "white rice," which may seem unconventional for Asian palates. Paris offers such choices.
In addition to the multicultural fusion, the French way of life seems to exude a leisurely and relaxed ambiance. Even in the event of a power outage, one must schedule an appointment with a repairman and may have to wait for three or four days.
Although Meng Chen may experience darkness and inconveniences during these waiting periods, she has grown accustomed to this unhurried pace of life. A three or four-day power outage is as tranquil to her as Paris itself, merely requiring an earlier bedtime.
"I believe it's a matter of mutual adaptation. Having a busy schedule and weekends off is normal; it merely requires mutual understanding."
During her time in France, the Chinese girl gradually realized that overcoming cultural barriers often necessitates proactive efforts from both sides.
Thanks to Paris's immense tolerance, even non-French speaking Chinese individuals can live here comfortably. However, this also fosters a certain complacency that hinders interaction with the outside world.
Conversely, due to language barriers, native French individuals often do not take the initiative to engage with the Chinese community.
In such circumstances, meaningful communication can only occur through active engagement. True understanding and progress can only be achieved by stepping out of one's comfort zone.
Paris's culture is diverse and distinctive. It offers unparalleled wonders and possibilities while embracing an atmosphere of tolerance and leisure.
Whether one seeks the cultural and artistic splendor of a bygone era or embraces the avant-garde and niche trends of the present, Paris exhibits it all.
Regardless of nationality or creed, the people of Paris share a collective identity rooted in the spirit of revolution. It is a spirit unafraid of rebellion and advocacy, seamlessly intertwined with the city's multicultural fabric.
In Paris, people do not pass judgment based on differences or nonconformity. It seems as though everyone is assertively expressing themselves, proclaiming "who I am," "what I aspire to be," and "what I stand for."
For the past four years, France's vibrant revolutionary spirit and inclusiveness have captivated Meng Chen's soul.
Studying and Working Abroad
Sun Mengchen has achieved three master's degrees in different fields: Chinese advertising in Hong Kong, French management, and science. Although these fields may seem unrelated, they are actually interconnected.
Studying advertising in Hong Kong provided Mengchen with a theoretical foundation in market psychology and social communication, which proved valuable for her studies in France.
The French academic system is unique. It requires students to complete two degrees in two years at a business school. There is also a work year in between the study years. After completing the first year of the degree, students work in a company for a year before returning to school to pursue the second degree.
This system allows students to reflect on their learning direction while gaining practical work experience. Mengchen completed her first year of management studies and then embarked on a one-year internship at a company.
Unlike most Chinese students, Mengchen chose not to pursue data analysis, a popular choice among Chinese students, for her next degree. Instead, she chose global sustainable development, a field belonging to science.
At the time, this program was relatively new in Europe, having been established only three years prior. There were only four Chinese students in the program, most of whom were from France and northern Europe.
Despite not being a structured discipline, it focused on scientific and engineering research areas such as chemical pollution, carbon emissions, and new energy resources.
Mengchen chose this field because she noticed that sustainable development and environmental protection had become hot topics in Western society, particularly in France, in recent years.
She wanted to explore the underlying logic, motivations, behaviors, definitions, and expectations of Western society regarding this topic.
Although sustainable development is not highly valued in China at present, Mengchen believes that its significance will become apparent in the future.
After completing her degree in sustainability, Mengchen decided to pursue a challenging path by becoming a freelancer.
She now utilizes her diverse skills and time, and her seemingly independent work demands a deeper understanding of marketing and social media.
She needs to stay updated on the latest trends in the French market while also gaining insights into the Chinese market. French is the primary communication tool in France, so she also needs to enhance her language skills.
Being a freelancer may sound appealing, as it allows flexibility, but in reality, it requires constant work.
Freelancing means being your own boss, assistant, salesperson, and product manager. You need to understand your strengths and weaknesses, take responsibility for yourself and your projects, and maintain professionalism. Thus, freelancing feels like a 24-hour job.
The pressure of freelancing consumes most of Mengchen's time, either working or thinking about her next steps. However, due to her adaptation to the relaxed French lifestyle, she can still find time after work to set aside her worries, put down her projects, and engage in activities like reading, taking walks, enjoying the sun, and enriching her inner world.
In China, some people refer to the Western work model as "lying flat," but it is far from being idle.
In French companies, senior managers not only work efficiently but also exhibit admirable interpersonal skills.
The main difference between the French and Chinese work models is the clear separation between work and personal life.
The French have a habit of dividing their day into distinct periods, dedicating their energy to specific tasks during each period.
Looking Ahead to Herself and the Future
The unique living and working environment in France has provided Sun Mengchen with an opportunity to contemplate various aspects of feminism.
Having moved beyond superficial concerns such as dressing freedom and body confidence, which have become commonplace in Paris, Mengchen now focuses on deeper issues, including equal opportunities and the right to refuse.
During her time working in China, despite being highly educated and capable, Mengchen faced challenges in terms of recognition and opportunities for advancement.
However, in Paris, she feels that her efforts are valued, and she can see tangible returns and more opportunities for personal growth. Gender does not hinder her progress.
In domestic workplaces, there are often implicit expectations placed on women, such as leveraging their femininity to build relationships with leaders or please partners. Women have little room to refuse such expectations.
In contrast, in Paris, women can reject unreasonable implicit demands without consequence and even challenge traditional gender roles.
Mengchen aspires to achieve a state of unity between knowledge and action. She constantly reminds herself and those around her not to judge people's preferences and characteristics based on gender, and to discard gender-based responsibilities and definitions.
Having gone through a phase of conforming to mainstream aesthetics and being influenced by consumerism, Mengchen now aims to use her online platform to promote female identity and empower women to overcome the impact of their environment on gender.
She hopes that, with her efforts and the persistence of other women, the world will witness more women entrepreneurs, scientists, and politicians.
After reading a gender equality ranking published by the World Economic Forum, Mengchen noticed that, even in the top Western countries, the highest level of equality is in basic education, leaving room for improvement in economic and political indicators.
Asidefrom her personal aspirations, Mengchen hopes to contribute to the advancement of gender equality globally.
In the future, Mengchen plans to continue her freelance work while expanding her online platform to reach a wider audience. She wants to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations to promote gender equality and empower women through education, mentorship, and advocacy.
Mengchen believes that by raising awareness, challenging societal norms, and providing support, women can break through barriers and achieve their full potential in all areas of life.
She also intends to stay connected to the academic world by attending conferences, workshops, and seminars related to sustainable development and gender studies. This will allow her to stay updated on the latest research and contribute her insights and experiences to the academic community.
Mengchen's journey of studying and working abroad has not only broadened her knowledge and skills but also transformed her perspective on various issues, including feminism and gender equality. She is determined to make a positive impact and create a more inclusive and equal society for women around the world.
Producer & Interviewer: Isabella Wang
Text: Lee Weiche
Editor: Xinyi Zhang
Formatting: Amy Pan
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